What are the Medical Risk Factors Associated with Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

Your health history can increase your likelihood of developing OSA.

Anyone can develop Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). However, there are certain factors that put you at increased risk:

• Excess weight. More than half of those with OSA are overweight. Fat deposits around your upper airway may obstruct breathing. However, not everyone who has sleep apnea is overweight. Thin people can develop the disorder, too.
• Neck circumference. The size of your neck may indicate whether or not you have an increased risk of OSA. That's because a thick neck may narrow the airway and may be an indication of excess weight. A neck circumference greater than 17 inches (43 centimeters) for men and 15 inches (38 centimeters) for women is associated with an increased risk of OSA.
• High blood pressure (hypertension). Obstructive sleep apnea is relatively common in people with hypertension.
• A narrowed airway. You may have a naturally narrow throat, or your tonsils or adenoids may be enlarged and blocking your airway.
• Chronic nasal congestion. OSA occurs twice as often in those who have consistent nasal congestion at night, regardless of the cause. This may be due to narrowed airways.
• Diabetes. OSA is three times more common in people who have diabetes.
• Gender. In general, men are twice as likely as women to have OSA.
• Ethnicity. Among people under age 35, obstructive sleep apnea is more common in African-Americans, Hispanics and Pacific Islanders.
• Age. The risk of OSA increases with age, especially in adults over 40. Adults over age 65 are at an even higher risk.
• Menopause. A woman's risk appears to increase after menopause.
• Family history. If you have family members with sleep apnea, you may be at increased risk.
• Alcohol, sedative or tranquilizer use. These substances relax the muscles in your throat.
• Smoking. Smokers are nearly three times more likely to have OSA.